Kabukicho
Kabukicho is located in the center of Shinjuku. It is known as the biggest red light district in Tokyo and is a paradise for young people to enjoy nightlife. Kabukicho Ichibangai is the main street of Kabukicho and the huge semicircular arch is its landmark. You can find varied clubs, hostess/host bars, and restaurants. In the second street of Kabukicho, the majority of stores are nightclubs and hostess/host bars.
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The History of Kabukicho: from a Slum to a Lively Nightspot
Kabukicho used to be a slum. Most people's impression of the region was danger, poverty, and chaos. In 2003, Japan government implemented a series of policies to maintain security and regular patrols were carried out. Nowadays, when it comes to Kabukicho, the majority of people first think about the words like lively, bustling, and colorful nightlife.
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Kabukicho night view
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Top Things to Do in Kabukicho as a Tourist
1. Take a Sip in One of the Bars
Golden Street is a famous bar street in Kabukicho. During World War II, Golden Street was a black market. Now, it gathers nearly 300 varied bars, and each bar only can accommodate 7 to 8 guests due to narrow space. The majority of bars accept foreign tourists; please feel free. Furthermore, some bar owners or waiters can speak English, and you can communicate with them about Japanese culture like friends. By the way, the sign outside the bar can help you get some information on whether they accept foreign tourists or not.
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2. Take a Photo of the Huge Godzilla Head
The huge Godzilla Head is another landmark of Shinjuku Kabukicho, which is 12 meters (39 feet) high and weighs 80 tons. It is built on the outdoor balcony on the 8th floor of the Shinjuku Toho Building. Godzilla is one of the most notable film monster figures in the world, being derived from the fear of the Japanese on nuclear weapons. Every hour or so, the Godzilla Head will roar last for one minute and you can see a laser from his mouth. Besides, its eyes will become bright during the night.3. Enjoy Natural Hot Springs in Thermae-Yu
Japan's rich volcanic resources make hot springs a name card of the country. The Thermae-Yu is a famous hot spring place with six floors in Kabukicho, providing fresh hot springs fetched from Shizuoka. The store is open all day, and you can spend your night here. Besides, it has a Scandinavian Sangolite Lotion Bath, containing about 3,000 bottles of Sangolite lotion containing coral minerals. By the way, the store sometimes offers cash coupons; please consult the staff.4. Appreciate Robot Performance in Robot Restaurant
Robot performances contain abundant robot elements and Japanese culture, allowing audiences to experience the combination of modern and traditional elements. The Brilliant light, flashy show, and high voice make the audience forget all annoyances. By the way, the restaurant provides earplugs, and you can put earplugs on your child to protect their hearing.5. Visit Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is a super high-rise complex with 48 floors above ground, 5 floors underground, and about 225 meters (738 feet) high. The building was opened in 2023 and has become the new landmark of Kabukicho. Theatres, hotels, cinemas, restaurants, and live houses are all clustered in the building.6. Shop in Don Quijote
The huge Don Quijote can be regarded as the entrance to Kabukicho and is another landmark of Kabukicho. Don Quijote is the largest chain of convenience stores and discount stores in Japan. It is open all day; you can shop for some gifts for your friends and relatives here.
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7. Taste Delicious Food at Low Price
1. Yakiniku Standing Bar Jiromaru
It is one of the most famous Yakiniku stores, and it does not provide any seats. You can taste high-quality meat such as the premium beef "A5 Wagyu" and oxtongue. Besides, you are allowed to buy even a piece of meat.
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2. Ramen Nagi
Ramen Nagi’s soup base is fish stock, and you can choose soup noodles or mixed noodles. The store has only 12 seats, and you may need to wait for about twenty minutes to eat delicious ramen.3. Sumika
The store provides yakitori, hot pot, and drinks. There are a total of 54 seats, and you are allowed to smoke in your seat. The price of yakitori is about 100 yen. The store opens from 13:00 to 5:00 the next day.
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4. Yataiya Hakata Gekijo Kabukicho
The most notable food of the store is dumplings, and it also provides yakitori, hot pot, and snacks. The store forbids smoking, and it owns more than 70 seats. The opening time is 16:00 -24:00.Tips:
1. Be wary of vendors who solicit customers in Kabukicho. If you follow these people into their host/hostess clubs, restaurants, or clubhouses, you may have to pay a large bill.2. Don't explore some out-of-the-way shops by yourself.
Recommended Visit Time
Half a day is enough. You can have a better experience in the night. Kabukicho is always full of visitors at night, so you do not have to worry too much about safety.How to Get to Kabukicho
You can take the JR Line, and get off at Shinjuku station, then exit from the east exit. Besides, you can take Oda Kyu Line, Keio Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, or Seibu Shinjuku Line, and get off at Shinjuku station.Nearby Attractions:
1. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is the oasis in Shinjuku. It combines Western and Japanese styles, owning over 800 cherry trees. You can walk here from Kabukicho, which takes about 15 minutes.2. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is 243 meters (797 feet) high. As the fifth tallest building in Tokyo, it allows tourists to overlook the city and Mount Fuji on its top floor. In addition, tourists do not need to pay for tickets. It takes about 20 minutes to walk there from Kabukicho.
Kabukicho Ichibangai Photos & more Tokyo Photos